Total Job Quote or Hourly Rate?
Giving a rock solid quote can be like trying to crack a walnut. Estimate your fee instead. And don't be afraid to charge more for more work.
I was talking to a freelancing friend of mine today. His client asked for a ballpark figure on a job and then agreed to pay the hourly rate based on the figure. As usual, the job went into over time and became 25% more expensive. My friend let them know that he was going over his original estimate and gave a rough guess at how many more hours were needed. The client seemed fine and the extra work was done.
It’s important not to smack your client in the face with a bill that’s beyond what was originally agreed upon.
Most jobs that come in take longer than your estimate – especially if you like to fiddle and get things just so. By working for an hourly rate, you ensure that you are getting paid for what you do and that’s a good thing. But you must communicate in advance how much more work is needed with your client if it looks like you’re going over. It’s better to see that client again (if it’s a good client and you’re comfortable working with each other) than have them walk away feeling sore. Or you feeling short-changed . . .
I was once sold on the one price for entire job idea, but that can lead to pain. Some clients want additional modifications without understanding that this will mean more work. What it is you will do for those hours / the quote needs to be communicated in writing. Provide the client with an estimate and don’t be shy about writing, “additional work will be charged at my hourly rate” at the bottom of your contract / letter.
And if you are going to charge by the hour, make sure you time yourself doing different jobs so that you can refer to them later.
An interesting point is that my friend first found out what his client’s hourly rate was before giving them his. Naturally, he made sure his hourly rate was less than the clients’.
Working for a client isn’t just business. Clients are people so that makes it personal. Both human beings deserve respect, so be honest and communicate regularly.
